#SundayPhotoFiction: The Skull

Here's my tiny tale for Sunday Photo Fiction.

Photo Credit: Joy Pixley

"You. Knew. Better. You were warned." His bony finger shook as he waved it uncomfortably close to my face. "You shouldn't have done it - again." His eyes were unnaturally bright and seemed to glow with fire. I could see my reflection in them.

"I... I'm... Sorry..." I stammered as my tongue clung to the roof of my mouth. While I wasn't positive what he was referring to, I had an idea. If I was right, it had to be done. Lying was the best recourse. "It wasn't my fault. It was the others. I had no choice!"

"No excuses!" His voice reverberated across the wide canyon. "This was your third offense."

I took another step back, tripping over my own feet before I braced myself against the cold rock.

"The vote has been taken." His long fingernail scratched my cheek as his words spilled like verbal vomit. A trickle of blood dropped onto my shirt just before a bright light blinded-


The warlock stood back and admired his handiwork. He cackled, "Live and learn." He laughed harder and slapped his thigh as he stared at the stone skull of the one who had refused to learn. "Then die!"

194 words

Read more stories from this prompt HERE.